Arian Foster unhappy about playing time in season opener

Running back Arian Foster is getting a lot of attention after showing his anger for not getting into the San Diego game during a fourth quarter series.

Ben Tate was on the field. When the offense went to the huddle, Tate started to trot to the sideline, and Foster was coming on the field. Someone told Tate to stay in the game, so he turned and went back to the huddle. Foster turned and returned to the sideline. He didn’t try to hide his anger of not getting into the game on that possession.

“They’re competitors, and they both want to be on the field,” Kubiak said. “I understand that. I think that’s a good thing for the team.”

In his first action since the playoff loss at New England because of calf and back injuries, Foster carried 18 times for 57 yards. He averaged 3.2 yards a carry. He was stuffed on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 carries in the first half. He caught six passes for only 33 yards. He dropped two passes and made a great one-handed catch on another.

Tate carried nine times for 55 yards and averaged 6.1 yards a carry.

“I wish it would have come out closer to even,” Kubiak said about the number of carries each back received. “Obviously, it was Arian’s first time out. He didn’t play in the preseason.

“Ben’s had an excellent preseason. I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working.”

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 1of/61

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 61

Texans 31, Chargers 28

Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the Chargers.

Texans 31, Chargers 28

Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the Chargers.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 61

Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 3 of 61

Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 61

Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 5 of 61

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent Brown. less

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 61

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 61

Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 21 of 61

Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 61

Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.